UAE - June 14 - Shaikh Qasr Al Qasimi Demotes Eldest Son.

Shaikh Qasr Al Qasimi, the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the northern-most of the UAE, issues a decree, demoting his eldest son, Shaikh Khaled, and appointing his fourth son, Shaikh Saud, as crown prince. (Observers say the move could have serious ramifications within the seven ruling families. Shaikh Qasr Al Qasimi has ruled since 1948. Shaikh Khaled, who has been crown prince since 1966, has been the emirate's de facto ruler for the past four years due to his father's ill health). Police cars manned road blocks around Shaikh Khaled's palace, in an apparent attempt to stop tribesmen loyal to him meeting. At least one man was shot and wounded in demonstrations. Shaikh Saud's palace was defended by armour-plated Humvees. On June 15, Shaikh Khaled said: "I have been deceived. I don't think this is my reward for 40 years of service". Asked if he would sanction an armed response to the decree, Shaikh Khaled said: "I would never ask them to take up arms, but this is my state and I will never leave it. It will be proven on the streets. If the people support him [Saud], they should show it. If not, they won't. It's black and white". Shaikh Saud was unavailable for comment.